To put a feather on a necklace, the most common and secure method involves using specialized metal findings that gently grip the feather's quill.
Attaching a Feather Using Loop-Ended Crimps
This method provides a secure and professional finish for your feather necklace, directly addressing the common challenge of attaching delicate feathers.
What You'll Need
- Feather: Select a clean, dry feather of your desired size and type.
- Loop-Ended Crimp (Feather Crimp/Finding): These small metal findings are specifically designed to grip the quill of a feather. Ensure the crimp size is appropriate for your feather's quill thickness.
- Jewelry Pliers: Chain-nose pliers or flat-nose pliers are ideal for gently closing the crimp.
- Jump Ring: A jump ring is a small metal ring used to connect components.
- Necklace Chain or Cord: The base for your pendant.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to securely attach your feather:
- Prepare Your Feather: Ensure the quill end of your feather is clean and free of debris. If the quill is very long, you might trim it slightly, but leave enough length to be securely held by the crimp.
- Insert the Feather: Gently pop the very end of your feather's quill into the open end of the loop-ended crimp. Make sure it's inserted far enough to be held firmly, but not so deep that it damages the feather.
- Crimp Securely: Using your jewelry pliers, carefully push one side of the crimp down over the feather's quill. Then, push the other side down. This action folds the crimp around the quill, securing it in place. This can be a little fiddly, so work slowly and precisely. The goal is a firm grip without crushing the quill.
- Attach to Necklace:
- Open a jump ring by twisting its ends apart with your pliers (never pull them directly apart).
- Thread the open jump ring through the loop at the top of the crimped feather finding.
- Attach the jump ring to your necklace chain or cord, or to a bail that is already on your chain.
- Close the jump ring securely by twisting its ends back together until they meet perfectly.
Tips for a Durable Feather Necklace
- Matching Sizes: Always match the crimp size to the feather's quill thickness for the most secure fit.
- Gentle Pressure: Apply steady, firm pressure with your pliers rather than sudden force to avoid damaging the delicate feather quill or the crimp itself.
- Test the Connection: After crimping, gently tug on the feather to ensure it is firmly attached and won't slip out.
- Consider Adhesives: For extra security, a tiny drop of jewelry adhesive inside the crimp before inserting the feather can provide additional hold, though it's often not strictly necessary if the crimp is properly applied.
Essential Tools for Feather Necklace Making
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Loop-Ended Crimp | Secures the feather's quill |
| Jewelry Pliers | Closes crimps, opens/closes jump rings |
| Jump Ring | Connects the crimped feather to the necklace |
| Necklace Chain/Cord | Base for the pendant |
With the right tools and a careful approach, attaching a feather to a necklace using loop-ended crimps is a straightforward process, allowing you to create unique and personalized jewelry.
